What is Daliresp (roflumilast) and how is it used? Daliresp is a prescription medicine used in adults with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to decrease the number of flare-ups or the worsening of COPD symptoms (exacerbations). Daliresp is not a bronchodilator and should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems. Your healthcare provider...
What is cefdinir? Cefdinir is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made) oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes: cephalexin (Keflex) cefaclor (Ceclor) cefuroxime (Zinacef) cefpodoxime (Vantin) cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil) Many injectable antibiotics What brand names are available for cefdinir? Omnicef brand has been discontinued and there are no other brand names...
What is alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (Prolastin-C) is a prescription medicine used to treat alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. AAT deficiency is a genetic disorder in which abnormally low levels of the protein AAT allow certain enzymes to attack healthy tissues, especially the lungs. Over time, significant...
What is cefaclor, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cefaclor is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made) oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil) as well as many injectable antibiotics. Like other cephalosporins, cefaclor stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing...
What is varenicline (Chantix)? What is Chantix used for? Varenicline is an oral drug that is used to promote cessation of smoking. It competes with nicotine from cigarettes for binding to nicotine receptors in the brain. Although varenicline stimulates nicotine receptors like nicotine, it blocks the stronger stimulation by nicotine. Therefore, smokers do not experience...
What is thoracentesis? Thoracentesis is a bedside medical procedure used to drain fluid from the space between your chest wall and lungs (the pleural cavity). Your lungs are enclosed in a two-layered covering called the pleura. There is a thin space between the two layers of the pleura called the pleural space that contains a...
What is a bag valve mask? Bag-valve-mask (BVM) or the Ambu bag is a self-inflating bag used to provide ventilation to the person not breathing normally. Bag valve mask (BVM) ventilation is usually done in an emergency until intubation can be done. A BVM consists of a non-rebreathing valve and a face mask. The opposite...
What is medical thoracoscopy? Medical thoracoscopy is a procedure that helps a physician view the chest cavity and the lungs by inserting an endoscope/thoracoscope (camera with light source) through the chest wall. Thoracoscopy may be performed as a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. It is also called a pleuroscopy. Medical thoracoscopy shows a doctor a view of...
What is bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition in which the bronchi (tube-like passageways that transfer air within the lungs) get permanently damaged and widened. The most common causes of bronchiectasis are pneumonia, pertussis, tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis mycobacterium. Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition in which the bronchi (tube-like passageways that transfer air within...
What is barotrauma in mechanical ventilation? Barotrauma is a condition in which the alveoli (air sacs of the lungs) rupture with a subsequent entry of air into the surrounding extra alveolar space. Barotrauma is typically caused by lung air sacs rupturing or a direct injury. Barotrauma can complicate mechanical ventilation, as it is associated with life-threatening...